Imperial 2nd Class Iron Cross

Here we have an Imperial 2nd Class Iron Cross 1914. The Imperial Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse was reauthorized by Emperor Wilhelm II on 5 August 1914 and was for award to personnel who performed a single act of bravery in combat. It is a multi-piece die struck construction that has been soldered together. The single piece core is constructed out of an iron metal base that has been black enamel painted. The two piece frame is constructed out of a silver base and has a final protectant lacquer over the entire award. The obverse features; a pattée style cross that has a centrally placed embossed “W” (cypher for King Wilhelm II), below a Kings crown (top arm) and above “1914” (lower arm - institution date August 5th 1914), which is all on a black base and surrounded by a silvered ribbed/beaded row and a flat outlying border. The reverse shows a centrally placed three piece oak leaf and acorn cluster, below “FW” (cypher for King Friedrich Wilhelm III) and a Kings crown and is above “1813”, and is all surrounded by that same border. To the top is a soldered on loop and ring which holds 3 inches of original silk like ribbon. 99%+ of the paint remains intact and the frame has a beautiful silver patina! A nice piece!